Occupation AtlasPolitical Scientists
O*NET · 19-3094.00
Political Scientists
Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.
Also called Citizen Participation Specialist · Government Affairs Researcher · Government Affairs Specialist · Health Policy Analyst · Legislative Affairs Specialist · Legislative Analyst · Legislative Liaison · Legislative Policy Analyst
15 more
Local Governance Specialist · Medical Policy Analyst · Policy Advisor · Policy Analyst · Policy Associate · Policy Officer · Policy Specialist · Political Advisor · Political Aide · Political Analyst · Political Consultant · Political Research Scientist · Political Researcher · Project Policy Analyst · Strategist
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
IAEInvestigative · Artistic · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative6.71
- A Artistic3.87
- E Enterprising3.61
- C Conventional3.52
- S Social3.42
- R Realistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (28%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (42%)
- On-the-job training
- None or short demonstration (60%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Active LearningbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- InstructingImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
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- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- MonitoringbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- PersuasionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Time ManagementImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- NegotiationImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- SciencebasicImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- ProgrammingImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
10 core · 4 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Teach political science.Importance 4.6
- Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.Importance 4.5
- Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.Importance 4.5
- Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.Importance 4.4
- Advise political science students.Importance 4.2
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.Importance 4.0
- Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.Importance 4.0
- Identify issues for research and analysis.Importance 3.9
- Serve on committees.Importance 3.2
- Forecast political, economic, and social trends.Importance 3.0
Show the other 4
- Evaluate programs and policies, and make related recommendations to institutions and organizations.Importance 2.7
- Consult with and advise government officials, civic bodies, research agencies, the media, political parties, and others concerned with political issues.Importance 2.7
- Provide media commentary or criticism related to public policy and political issues and events.Importance 2.7
- Write drafts of legislative proposals, and prepare speeches, correspondence, and policy papers for governmental use.Importance 2.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Law and GovernmentImportance 4.7Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- English LanguageImportance 4.4Level 5.7
- Education and TrainingImportance 4.3Level 5.7
- History and ArcheologyImportance 3.4Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
- MathematicsImportance 3.4Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Communications and MediaImportance 3.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.2Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- GeographyImportance 3.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
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- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 3.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Ask directions in a foreign city
- AdministrativeImportance 2.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- PsychologyImportance 2.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- TransportationImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.3Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.2Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.2Level —
- DesignImportance 1.2Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.2Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.2Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.2Level —
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.2Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.6Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
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- Near VisionImportance 3.6Level 3.6
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- OriginalityImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- MemorizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Far VisionImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Time SharingImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- VisualizationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.3Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.8Level 6.4Level 7 looks like: Analyze the cost of medical care services for all hospitals in the country
- Getting InformationImportance 4.8Level 6.2Level 7 looks like: Study international tax laws
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.7Level 6.2Level 7 looks like: Learn information related to a complex and rapidly changing technology
- Processing InformationImportance 4.6Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Compile data for a complex scientific report
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.5Level 5.9
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.5Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.5Level 5.9
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.2Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
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- Working with ComputersImportance 4.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.1Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 4.0Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.9Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.9Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.8Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.5Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.5Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.5Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.2Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.5Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.6
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.4Level 2.8
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.8
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.2Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
39 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (5)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Microsoft Wordhot
Hot (11; 5 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Acrobat
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Python
- R
- SAP software
- SAS
- Tableau
Other tools (23)
- Bare Bones Software BBEdit
- CQ Press Political Reference Suite
- Data visualization software
- DataMystic TextPipe Pro
- EBSCO Publishing Academic Search Premier
- EBSCO Publishing Political Science Complete
- Email software
- Europa World Plus
- FedStats
- Gale Expanded Academic ASAP PLUS
- IDM Computer Solutions UltraEdit
- Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) database
- JSTOR database
- JudgeIt II
- Library of Congress E-resources Online Catalog
- Microsoft Publisher
- Oxford Reference Online
- ProQuest Public Affairs Information Service (PAIS) database
- ProQuest Worldwide Political Science Abstracts
- Sage Reference Online
- StataCorp Stata
- Structure query language SQL
- WinBUGS
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Sociologists
Average difference 0.1 points · Management of Personnel Resources +0.8, Monitoring +0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Geographers
Average difference 0.2 points · Science +0.8, Social Perceptiveness −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Monitoring +0.7, Science −0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −1.0, Science −0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Learning Strategies +0.8, Management of Personnel Resources +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Intelligence Analysts
Average difference 0.2 points · Social Perceptiveness −0.8, Science −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Social Perceptiveness −0.8, Management of Personnel Resources +0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Economists
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +1.1, Social Perceptiveness −0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.